Strategies for water supply systems in developing countries

Abstract

Among the major water supply problems in developing countries are the lack of qualified manpower, inadequate management, and limited financial resources, Trained personnel is not only deficient in many of the water agencies, but also in ministries, health agencies, community organizations and labour categories of all kinds. Operation and maintenance, quality control and revenue collection leave much to be desired. The scarce resources are barely or not at all sufficient to scope with the day to day problems, let alone with investments for the future, These situations differ considerably from region to region. Several countriesmay have manpower available but lace finance. Others may have ample funds, but have a shortage of trained people. Many have neither of them. Management problems occur almost everywhere. Each of the countries has its own options and constraints for future developments. In many developing countries there is also a serious scarcity of water resources. In these countries the introduction of water reuse practices would be an obvious option. The policies and the choice of technologies however, should be seen in the light of these countries overriding problems. Indeed, the reuse of water for human consumption should be avoided where possible, just as much as the use of troated sewage for crops to be eaten raw. But there is ample scope for the promotion of other water reuse practices, especially in more developed areas. The International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade (1981–1990)appears to be the right context for cooperatively studying the feasibility and research into options of yet another resource for future use.